A wildfire close to Tok, Alaska, has been partially brought under control, as confirmed by state wildfire authorities on Wednesday. Despite ongoing efforts to safeguard the community following the loss of several structures earlier this week, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster for the area. This declaration automatically activates funding for repairing public infrastructure and aiding individuals impacted by the fire.
The Mukluk fire spans an estimated 2,000 hectares and is currently blazing around 100 kilometers from the Yukon border. According to an update from the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection on Wednesday, the fire has been contained to 16%, with the secured section located within the Tok community.
As of now, 167 personnel are actively combatting the fire, and evacuations are still in effect for specific areas of Tok, which is home to approximately 1,500 residents. One Anchorage resident, Karen Webster, shared her experience of arriving in Tok with a group of Belgian motorcyclists on Monday night, only to find the community partially deserted due to the wildfire.
During a community meeting in Tok on Tuesday, residents were informed that crews and firefighting aircraft were being dispatched from the Yukon to assist. The Yukon’s Department of Community Services informed CBC News that four crews, a division supervisor, and an agency representative are en route to provide support.
The weather forecast for Tok predicts cooler temperatures and the possibility of showers in the upcoming days, with potential thunderstorms expected on Friday night.
